Consultation Advances Domestic Violence Act Review
The Government of the Virgin Islands held a second stakeholder consultation to review and modernise the Domestic Violence Act, 2011. Facilitated by Ministerial Special Adviser on Gender Affairs Patricia Hackett, the meeting brought together law enforcement, justice, social services, schools, faith groups and NGOs to strengthen protections for victims and survivors.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has moved forward in its review of the Domestic Violence Act, 2011, convening a second stakeholder consultation aimed at modernising legislation and improving the Territory's response to domestic abuse. The meeting was facilitated by Ministerial Special Adviser on Gender Affairs, Ms.
Patricia Hackett, and formed part of a broader effort to enhance protections for victims and survivors across the British Virgin Islands. Representatives from a wide cross-section of public bodies and community groups attended the consultation. Participants included the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, His Majesty's Prison, the Magistracy and His Majesty's Customs; social and support services such as the Social Development Department, the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, the Department of Immigration and Women in Need (WIN) BVI; educational institutions and school-based guidance counsellors from H.
Lavity Stoutt Community College, BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George's Secondary School and others; faith-based groups including the BVI Christian Council, BVI Methodist Church and St. George's Episcopal Church; the Sister Islands Programme Unit; the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development; and the Ministry's Ministry stakeholders such as the Magistracy and the Prison Service.
Officials said the consultation focused on strengthening legal protections and improving coordination among agencies that respond to domestic violence. For residents, potential outcomes include clearer legal remedies, better protocols for police and court processing, improved support and referral pathways from schools and faith-based organisations, and more consistent services across the Sister Islands as well as Tortola.
The presence of school counsellors and education institutions underscores attention to child and youth impacts and the need for prevention and early intervention in schools. The review also aims to align local policy and practice with best-practice approaches to survivor-centred care, while ensuring law enforcement and justice systems can respond effectively and sensitively.
Community groups such as WIN BVI are expected to remain central to shaping services and access to support. This consultation is one step in an ongoing process. Officials say the review will continue to involve stakeholders across government and civil society as the Territory considers amendments and measures to better protect victims and improve coordination of services.
Residents with lived experience, service providers and interested citizens are encouraged to follow forthcoming announcements from the Government for opportunities to engage in the process.
Primary source: Guavaberry